Just a month on from lauding the 29-year-old as the best in the world, the Red Devils' goalkeeping dilemma increased after the Spain international cost his side a shot at FA Cup success on Sunday.

De Gea did not cover himself in glory for Olivier Giroud's opener and was guilty of a shocker as a long-range Mason Mount strike somehow beat him, putting Chelsea in control of a semi-final they would win 3-1.

It was an alarming display that compounded some other glaring errors over the last 18 months, raising awkward questions about his status as No.1 ahead of Wednesday's vital clash with West Ham.

Solskjaer was in no mood to focus on the goalkeeper in the build-up and said "this is not going to become a David de Gea press conference", but questions were natural about a player tied down until at least 2023.

Asked if he could clear up whether De Gea would start against the Hammers, the United boss said with a laugh: "No, because I don't want to talk about him!

"We stick together as a group. Of course you're going to stick together as a group and, as I said, he's proven before he's mentally strong."

Dean Henderson is snapping at De Gea's heels having shone on loan at Sheffield United, while Sergio Romero, the back-up goalkeeper surprisingly omitted from the FA Cup semi-final starting line-up, is waiting in the wings.

Selecting the Argentina international against West Ham would be a big call but Solskjaer has shown he is willing to make such decisions.

"Well, you have to (make big calls)," the United boss said.

"We'll do that on Wednesday, we'll do that on Sunday and then when the season's finished we'll make more decisions."

Fifth-placed United will take a big step towards a top-four finish if they beat West Ham in their penultimate match.

Leicester's 3-0 loss at Tottenham means Solskjaer's side are level with the fourth-placed Foxes, both on 62 points and a goal difference of 28, with the clubs going toe-to-toe at the King Power Stadium in Sunday's fascinating season finale.

"We've given ourselves a great chance and it is, as you say, squeaky bum time," Solskjaer said. "I'm looking forward to it and I'm pretty sure the players are as well."

Australian Associated Press